About James Mead

James Mead is a full-time professional landscape photographer and conservationist based out of Portland, Oregon. His work has been published by the US Department of the Interior, The Weather Channel, and by many more media outlets and clients. Though he is internationally known for his Landscape Photography and Wide-Field Astrophotography (Landscape Astrophotography) work, he is also an accomplished automotive photographer.

Mead is known for his distinctive visual storytelling style which combines his knowledge and understanding of film and digital photography to create stunning, vivid landscapes. He has traveled far and wide to capture his stunning works of visual photographic art.

He started photography in the late 90's on film using a Canon EOS Elan 7E and Fuji Velvia film (now known as Velia 50). Veliva 50 is a positive slide film known for its exceptional color saturation, vibrancy, sharpness and contrast. Its influence on Mead's visual style can be seen in his digital work today.

Between then and now, Mead received a Bachelor of Arts from Portland State University. After his father passed away, he found himself rethinking his life. He found himself back in nature behind the lens, as that is where his heart has always been and where his soul feels free.

Mead utilizes his passion for nature, the outdoors, the night sky and National Parks to create visual stories which captivate people. His visual storytelling inspires and challenges people to preserve the wild, open spaces of nature. He always finds himself out hiking in the middle of the day or middle of the night, headed towards a shoot far away from others. He uses his photography to teach people about the importance of conserving these beautiful resources. He aims to capture the natural beauty of the world, so others can both enjoy it and understand the importance of protecting it. If you ever see him out and about, please say hello!

Contact Information:

Please contact me via any of the methods below for business inquires, questions, or anything else: 

• jmead@jamesmeadphotography.com

• (503) 776-0646

• PO Box 513

  Lake Oswego, OR 97034

What's in my main camera bag?

I am frequently asked by people what gear and equipment I normally use. Below is a list of the gear and equipment you'll often find me using.

Camera Body

• Canon 5D MKIII

• Canon BG11 Battery Grip

• Kirk Industries BL-5D3G L Bracket (for shooting with battery grip)

• Kirk Industries BL-5D3 L Bracket (for shooting without battery grip)

• Canon EOS Elan 7E + Fuji Velva 50 (35mm SLR film camera + film)

• Manfrotto 200PL-Pro Acra Plate (for film and backup camera bodies)

Lenses

• Canon 16-35 f/2.8 L II USM

• Canon 24-70 f/2.8 L II USM

• Canon 70-200 f/2.8 L IS II USM w/ Kirk Industries LP-41 Lens Plate

• Canon Extender EF 2X III

Tripods

• Gitzo Mountaineer GT2532 Carbon Fiber Tripod, 3 section series 2 (main tripod)

• Manfrotto MHXPRO-3W 3-Way Pan/Tilt Head w/ Acra-Swiss type clamp conversion• Kirk Industries QR-AB1QR Arca-Swiss type clamp conversion adapter (main tripod head)

• Kirk Industries LRP-1 Long Rail Plate

• Vanguard VEO 2 265CB Carbon Fiber Tripod w/ Ball Head (compact lightweight travel tripod)

Remote Releases

• Canon RS-80N3 Remote Release (x2)

Camera Bags

• Lowepro Vertex 200 AW (main bag)

• Lowepro Pro Runner 200 (lightweight bag)

• Think Tank Turnstyle 10 V2.0, Canon Professional Services edition (Sling Bag)

Filters

• Hoya NXT HMC UV 77 (for when using film)

• Hoya NXT HMC UV 82 (for when using film)

• Hoya NXT CIR-PL 77

• Hoya HD2 CIR-PL 82

• Hoya HMC ND8 77

• Hoya HMC ND8 82

• Hoya PROND 1000X 77

• Hoya PROND 1000X 82

• Manfrotto Xume Quick Release Filter Adapter System 77

• Manfrotto Xume Quick Release Filter Adapter System 82

• DLC 77-82mm Step-Up Ring

• Custom 77mm Baader Planetarium AstroSolar Safety Film Metal Ringed Solar Filter

Misc

• Multiple SanDisk and PNY memory cards ranging from 32GB to 128GB

• Four spare Canon LP-E6N batteries

• Canon BGM-E11A battery magazine (backup magazine) with six  2700mAh Lenmar NiMi Batteries

• Canon Speedlite 430EX II

• Gaffers Tape

• Lenspen MiniPro (compact lens cleaner)

• Lens Wipes• Mircofiber cleaning cloths

• Giottos Rocket Blaster Dust-Removal Tool

• Survival kit

• Multiple Flashlights and Headlamps: two Fenix PD35 Flashlights w/ 18650 batteries, Fenix UC40E Flashlight, Fenix TK75 Flashlight, Black Diamond ReVolt Headlamp

• Multiple Battery Chargers: Canon LC-E6 battery charger, Fenix  ARE-C1 18650 battery charger, Sanyo NiMH battery charger